Chrome for Metro to land in next dev channel release

Those running the Release Preview of Windows 8 will soon be able to test Chrome in the OS’ Metro UI. This according to a recent post in the Chromium blog, where the search giant explained that initial releases of Chrome in Metro mode will include integration with the basic Windows 8 system functionality, such as charms and snap view, with many touch-related improvements planned for the next few months.

The company didn’t share a specific date for the release but suggested it’s coming very soon. If you’re running the Release Preview of Windows 8, you’ll be able to try Chrome in Metro mode in the next Chrome Dev channel release by setting it as your default browser.

The browser will run in both the Metro and desktop environments of Windows 8. That said, it will only be available for traditional x86-based systems, as Microsoft is limiting third-party browsers in the 'Windows RT' version of its operating system that is designed to run on ARM-based laptops and tablets.

Only Microsoft’s own Internet Explorer browser will be able to run on both desktop and Metro mode in ARM devices, while third-party browsers will be limited to the Metro interface alone and locked out from using certain APIs deemed as necessary for building a modern browser.

Microsoft says this will help deliver a new level of security for Windows on ARM products. Nevertheless, the decision has drawn criticism from Mozilla, which pointed out Microsoft's troubled legal history with Internet Explorer and the promise made to developers, users, and OEMs about browser choice.